Hadith #3625

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his purified progeny, and his noble companions.

The Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the transient nature of this worldly life and its inherent shortcomings. Let us delve into the profound meanings of this Hadith and explore its implications in light of the Quran.

The Hadith begins by stating,

Verily this world is an abode unfit for permanent residence.

The Arabic word used here is "manzil," which refers to a temporary dwelling or a resting place. This emphasizes that the world is not our ultimate destination; rather, it is a transient abode that we pass through on our journey towards the Hereafter. The Quran supports this notion in Surah Al-Ankabut, verse 64:

This worldly life is only amusement and diversion, but the home of the Hereafter is best for those who fear Allah.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

and is not the house for foraging.

The Arabic word used here is "nuj'a," which refers to a place where one can find sustenance and provisions. This implies that the world is not meant to be a source of everlasting nourishment and fulfillment. In Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 168, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us:

O mankind, eat from whatever is on earth [that is] lawful and good and do not follow the footsteps of Satan.

The Hadith continues,

Its good is trifling, its evil is ready at hand.

The Arabic word used for "good" here is "zahid," which means insignificant or meager. This highlights that the pleasures and joys of this world, no matter how enticing they may seem, are fleeting and temporary. On the other hand, the word used for "evil" is "ateed," which means present or imminent. This emphasizes that the trials and tribulations of this world are ever-present and can easily lead us astray. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Hadid, verse 20:

Know that the life of this world is but amusement and diversion and adornment and boasting to one another and competition in increase of wealth and children.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states,

Its authority is snatched away and its habitation faces desolation.

The Arabic word used for "authority" here is "milk," which refers to power or control. This implies that the worldly possessions and positions of authority that we strive for are ultimately transient and can be taken away from us at any moment. Similarly, the word used for "habitation" is "aamir," which means a dwelling or a place of residence. This highlights that the grandeur and splendor of this world will eventually fade away, leaving behind desolation and destruction. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) reminds us in Surah Al-Qasas, verse 58:

And how many a city have We destroyed that was insolent in its [way of] living, and those are their dwellings which have not been inhabited after them except briefly.

Reflecting upon this Hadith, we are reminded of the impermanence and insignificance of this worldly life. It serves as a wake-up call for us to prioritize our actions and intentions towards the eternal life of the Hereafter. We should not be deceived by the temporary pleasures and distractions of this world, but rather focus on seeking the pleasure of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) and preparing for the everlasting abode that awaits us.

May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom to understand the true nature of this world and guide us on the path of righteousness. Ameen.